Kansas vs Iowa State: Rematch in Ames on Feb. 14 after Jan. 13 Rout
The Big 12 rivalry renews Saturday, Feb. 14 when Kansas travels to Hilton Coliseum to face Iowa State. Tip-off is set for 1 p. m. ET. The rematch follows Kansas' decisive 84-63 victory in Lawrence on Jan. 13, and both teams arrive with momentum that could flip the matchup in Ames.
Game context and stakes
Iowa State (21-3, 8-3 Big 12) is coming off a road loss that halted a five-game winning streak, while Kansas (19-5, 9-2) has reeled off an eight-game run of its own. The Cyclones need a bounce-back showing at home to keep pace in the conference race; Kansas wants to maintain its surge and prove the Jan. 13 result was no fluke. Saturday’s meeting will matter for seeding and the pecking order in a tight league.
Darryn Peterson's availability and impact
Kansas' season-long narrative has centered on the availability of Darryn Peterson. He remains viewed as a top NBA prospect and a likely top-three draft candidate, despite a pattern of absences this season. When on the floor, Peterson has been dynamic—averaging 20. 5 points, 4. 2 rebounds and 1. 3 steals while shooting 48. 9% overall and 41. 9% from three-point range. His track record includes moments in Kansas’ recent winning streak, but lingering health and availability questions have influenced rotations and gameplans. How much he plays in Ames, and whether he is at full strength, will shape Kansas’ attack and Iowa State’s defensive priorities.
Iowa State’s offensive questions after TCU
The Cyclones’ identity is built on defense, yet their recent loss to TCU exposed cracks on the other end. They were held to a season-low 55 points and shot just 36. 9% overall, a sharp drop from recent form. Key ball-handlers struggled under pressure—turnovers piled up—and the offense failed to find consistent scoring lanes. To contend with Kansas, Iowa State must rediscover its rhythm, protect the ball better and generate higher-percentage looks for scorers such as Milan Momcilovic and Killyan Toure.
Paint battle and defensive adjustments
Kansas' interior presence played a decisive role in the first matchup. Big man Flory Bidunga anchored the paint with rim protection—recording four blocks and two steals—and forced Iowa State into difficult shots. Kansas crowded the paint, contested drives, and dared the Cyclones to beat them from deep. Iowa State must probe the interior with smart spacing and sustained ball movement to neutralize that defensive pressure, or they risk repeating the lopsided result from January.
Matchups to watch and coaching chess
The coaching matchup will be a tactical chess match. Iowa State’s staff must scheme ways to limit turnovers and create clean opportunities for their scorers, while Kansas will look to exploit mismatches and attack secondary defenders. Pay attention to how the Cyclones handle ball-screen actions, how Kansas allocates minutes around Peterson’s availability, and which role players step up—especially on the perimeter and in transition.
Outlook
This rematch is about momentum and adjustment. Kansas will enter with confidence after its long winning streak, but the Jayhawks’ rotation still hinges on the health and presence of their top wing. Iowa State has the crowd and a chance to right the ship at home, but they must solve offensive deficiencies exposed in recent play. Expect a physical, fast-paced game where the team that executes late possessions and limits mistakes will likely come away with the upper hand.
